Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Overview

Backside Line

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L has lengthy topped our record of the finest rain jackets, and it retains displaying us why. All through our testing in Alaska’s temperate rainforest, we beloved its sturdy climate resistance, air flow, and sturdy design. We saved reaching for this shell on days once we knew the precipitation can be heavy.

The Torrentshell comes outfitted with options that reveal Patagonia’s excessive consideration to element. Elastic cinches within the hood and across the waist assist dial within the match. Whereas the arms felt a bit lengthy and boxy, the velcro cuffs cinch all the way down to make a customized match for quite a lot of our bodies. The jacket’s three-layer building supplies superior climate safety whereas permitting nice breathability. Aided by pit zips, the Torrentshell vents inside warmth and breathes moisture out all whereas retaining you dry.

Whereas the Torrentshell just isn’t the lightest or most packable possibility available on the market, its versatility and efficient climate resistance make up for it.

Consolation & Mobility

At first, the match felt cumbersome and cumbersome when sporting the Torrentshell out of the field. The jacket embodied that trademark stiffness of most laborious shells available on the market. Nevertheless, the material broke in after sporting it on a number of hikes and have become extra versatile.

The physique is definitely drawn in and cinched thanks to 2 elastic bands with toggles on either side of the hem. Whereas some rain shells solely include one cinch, this double characteristic permits a comfortable match for heavy rain and a customized match. The hood was very comfy, with a again cinch that securely held the hood across the face. The entrance of the hood adjustment required two palms to adequately cinch down, leaving us wishing for a single-hand accessible design.

The arms on this mannequin generally felt a bit lengthy and boxy. Whereas the velcro on the cuffs helped to cinch that in, the coat nonetheless retained some emotions of bagginess. These with bigger torsos will match this jacket higher than slender our bodies. The roominess additionally supplied house for layering and unrestricted mobility.

Climate Resistance

When the rain pours, the Torrentshell shines with its capability to maintain you heat and dry. Its three-layer building is top-of-the-line with regards to blocking precipitation. This rain shell resisted wetting out for much longer than the others we reviewed.

Though it doesn’t have waterproof zippers, the flap over the principle zipper supplies sufficient protection that water seeping in via the zipper just isn’t a problem. Throughout our testing, the shell’s shoulders and hood resisted heavy downpours and shed water away from the physique. The hood comes with a stiffened brim that helps hold water off the face even with out a brimmed hat beneath. The Torrentshell persistently delivers in inclement circumstances, incomes a everlasting spot in our lineup for wet days.

Air flow

The Patagonia Torrentshell finds the stability between heavy climate safety and air flow. Whereas the three-layer building breathes nicely by itself, that is additional aided by two pit zips. In our testing, we felt these zips could possibly be just a few inches longer for elevated air flow and ease of entry, however their capability to shed warmth was spectacular.

You’ll run hotter on this possibility than others we examined and subsequently we advocate this mannequin for reasonable to low-output actions the place retaining warmth is vital. The jacket depraved inside moisture out rapidly, however physique warmth was retained for longer than anticipated. We’d counsel this shell for cooler climate the place retaining further warmth just isn’t an issue.

Sturdiness

One other hallmark of the Torrentshell’s three-layer building is it’s very good sturdiness. We’ve taken this jacket out day after day and it continues to carry out as if proper out of the field. After combing it via the comb, in opposition to rocks, and a number of soakings, the Torrentshell nonetheless seems new and exhibits no indicators of damage. For hikers who need one jacket to carry up for a very long time, then the Torrentshell is the selection. Coming backed by Patagonia’s Ironclad Assure, you’ll be positive to make use of this jacket for a lot of journeys to return.

Weight

The place the Torrentshell excels in climate resistance, that efficiency comes on the sacrifice of weight. Removed from the lightest jacket we examined, the Torrentshell is available in at virtually a pound for a males’s medium.

Whereas this further weight means a sturdy and dependable design, it isn’t probably the most packable. It does pack down right into a zippered pocket, however even then it’s bigger than most others in our lineup. In the event you’re the gram-counting kind, or on a visit the place each ounce and inch issues, this won’t be the most suitable choice. If prioritizing climate resistance and sturdiness over weight is your objective, then the Torrentshell checks the packing containers.

Ought to You Purchase the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L?

In the event you’re planning to purchase only one rain jacket to make use of for a very long time, then the Torrentshell is the right selection. With superior climate resistance and sturdiness, this mannequin will final lengthy and defend you on many adventures. Whereas not the lightest or most packable jacket available on the market, its versatility lends itself to a entrance or backcountry possibility. On journeys the place each ounce in your pack issues, this is probably not the most effective match for the job.  In the event you run heat, or plan to make use of it in hotter circumstances or high-output actions, chances are you’ll wish to hold buying. We proceed to provide the Torrentshell excessive marks throughout our testing metrics and sit up for many extra journeys with it in our packs.

What Different Rain Jackets Ought to You Take into account?

Marmot Precip Eco Overview: A justifiably priced shell for entry-level budgets, the Marmot Precip Eco is the right possibility for intermittent publicity to rain that’s light-weight and packable.

REI Rainier Overview: If an accessible worth is your primary concern, then the REI Rainier can’t be overwhelmed for worth. It’s one among our lower-priced choices that also punches above its weight.

Arc’teryx Beta Overview: In the event you love the climate resistance of the Patagonia Torrentshell, then the Arc’teryx Beta is the jacket for you. Providing unparalleled climate resistance, this rain-repellant guarantees safety in heavy precipitation.